This widely popular gem is the fossilized resin or sap from coniferous trees that lived anywhere from 2 - 360 million years ago. The most interesting and valuable pieces of amber will contain inclusions of long extinct plant debris or small animals. Magical properties attributed to amber include cleansing, calming and protective effects. Currently the International Commission of Colored Gemstones (CIBJO) recognizes only five organic (once living material) gemstones: Ammolite, amber, pearl, jet, and coral.

Cloisonne beads are created by affixing a metal wire to the base bead to act as a color seperater. A powdered colored glass enamel is then painted between the partitions. After a firing and polishing process, the bead is electroplated in a gold or silver film and a beautiful new bead is born. The art of cloisonne was first developed in the near east. The art form soon spread into China where many production facilities are operated today.